RPAS 2026 Speaker Bio

Andrew McKinnon

Director UAS Future Deliveries

Department of Defence   

Andrew McKinnon commenced studying Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Sydney in 2005, completing his degree in 2008 prior to joining the then-DMO Graduate Program in 2009. Completing rotations in Willamtown and Canberra.

He then joined the JP129 Phase 2 project team, delivering the Shadow 200 Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System into service whereupon it was immediately deployed to Afghanistan. Moving to Brisbane to join the UAS Management Unit to support the Shadow 200 capability in-service as a Design Engineer, he also periodically acted as the Design Acceptance Representative.

In 2015 he took on the role of Project Manager for LAND 129 Phase 4 – Small UAS, delivering the Wasp AE capability through second pass and into service in 2017. In 2018, he managed the delivery of Black Hornet 3 and DJI Multirotor capabilities into service, whilst progressing LAND 129 Phase 3 through the Capability Life Cycle.

Andrew also joined the Army Reserves in 2014, completing the General Service Officer First Appointment Course in 2017, graduating from Duntroon as a Combat Engineering Officer. He has deployed domestically on Operation Invincible and Bushfire Assist 19.

In 2020 Andrew was promoted to the Director of the Navy and Army Aviation Acquisition Program Office PMO, supporting a range of pre-Gate 2 projects across Navy and Army, subsequently transitioning to become Director of the Army Uncrewed Aerial Systems Project Office in 2023.

In 2025, Andrew became the inaugural Director Uncrewed Aerial Systems Future Deliveries and Policy in the UAS Program Office, his current role.

Andrew has been involved in, or led the procurement and/or introduction into service of twelve different UAS types across Army, Air Force and Navy. He is passionate about UAS and associated technologies, with a 3D printer in his garage.

Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Sydney and two Masters Degrees from UNSW for Systems Engineering and Project Management.